Light bar

ABSTRACT

A light bar having an extruded housing with a curved cover portion and a flat back wall and flat side walls with a hollow interior. A circuit board positioned within the hollow interior and separated into a plurality of electrical segments. The circuit board includes a row of white, amber, and red LEDs which are fully encapsulated with an encapsulant within the housing. The ends of the housing are enclosed by end caps. The light bar is electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicle and is installed using a plurality of adhesively attached clips and is controlled by a control box that interprets the operational signals of practically any commercially available pickup truck and outputs commands that controls illumination of the light bar. The compact size of the light bar facilitates installation of the light bar on practically any commercially available pickup truck.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. Ser. No.15/856,689, filed on Dec. 28, 2017. U.S. Ser. No. 15/856,689 is aContinuation Application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/636,732, filed on Jun. 29,2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/396,912, filed Sep. 20, 2016. Each of thesepatent applications are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to lights. More specifically, and withoutlimitation, this invention relates to a light bar which is particularlywell suited for use on trucks in a low-profile manner in the space abovea bumper and below the tailgate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle lights are old and well known. Countless forms of vehicle lightsexist, including: headlights, fog lights, tail lights, reverse lights,parking lights, daytime running lights, and turning lights, amongcountless others. Each type of light or light configuration serves itsown unique purpose and provides its own unique advantages.

With improvements in light technology, such as the development of lightemitting diodes (“LEDs”), a great variety of accessory lights have beendeveloped. These accessory lights come in a wide array of configurationsand provide their own unique functions and advantages.

One common form of an accessory light is known as a light bar. Lightbars are designed to fit in the small space between the upper edge ofthe bumper and the lower edge of the tailgate of a pickup truck andinclude a long array of lights that are electrically connected to theelectrical system of the vehicle. These light bars provide improvedillumination and thereby improve visibility when breaking, turning andbacking up.

While conventional light bars provide many advantages, they suffer frommany disadvantages not solved by the prior art. Namely, the environmentwhere light bars exist is extremely caustic. That is, the space on theback of a pickup truck between the bumper and the tailgate is a wet anddirty environment that is also exposed to road chemicals, exhaust fumes,and whatever chemicals or other contaminants drain out of the bed of thepickup truck. In addition, in this position on the exterior of thevehicle, light bars are exposed to the elements and must enduretemperature extremes from the coldest of cold nights to the hottest ofhot days. Due to these extreme conditions, many conventional light barshave short lives due to the combined effects of temperature extremes andinfiltration of water and contaminants that lead to premature failure orshort useful lives.

Complicating matters further, the space between the bumper and thetailgate on most trucks is extremely limited. That is, the verticalheight between the top of the bumper and the bottom of the tailgate andfenders is increasingly vertically narrow. This means that the light barmust be extremely compact is size and shape otherwise it cannot be usedfor its intended purpose. This means that the form factor of the lightbar must be extremely compact which complicates the electronic assemblyof the system, heat dissipation requirements, weather proofing,installation and the overall design and configuration of the system.

Therefore, in view of the disadvantages in the prior art, for thereasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the specification, claims and drawings there is a need inthe art for an improved light bar.

Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a light barthat improves upon the state of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that has along useful life.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that canbe used on practically any vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that fits inthe space between the bumper and the tailgate of most if not all pickuptrucks.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that iswater proof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isweather proof.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that iscan be exposed to the elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that iscontaminant proof.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that iseasily installed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that can beconnected to practically any vehicle's electrical system.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar thatprovides multi-purpose functionality.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that has anaesthetically pleasing appearance.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that iseasy to use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that improvessafety.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar thatincludes white, yellow/amber and red lights.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that includesbreaking, backup and turning functionality.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar thatefficiently dissipates heat.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isseparated into electrical segments that are independently controllable.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isbright.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that is formedof a plurality of independent lights but appears to be a singlecontinuous light strip when illuminated due to the density of theindependent lights.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that canbe installed without drilling into the body of the vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isdurable.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isrugged.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that has anintuitive design.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isformed of a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that isrelatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar thatprovides value, utility and novelty to the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that has a lowprofile.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that canbe installed with adhesives and clips.

Another object of the invention is to provide a light bar that can beinstalled using adhesives.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a light bar thatimproves safety.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the specification, claims and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A temperature, water and contaminant proof light bar is presented havingan extruded housing with a curved cover portion and a flat back wall andflat side walls with a hollow interior. A circuit board is positionedwithin the hollow interior and separated into a plurality of electricalsegments. The circuit board includes a row of white, a row of amber, anda row of red LEDs and is fully encapsulated with an encapsulant withinthe housing. The ends of the housing are enclosed by end caps. The lightbar is electrically connected to the electrical system of the vehicleand is installed using a plurality of adhesively attached clips and iscontrolled by a control box configured to interpret the operationalsignals of practically any commercially available pickup truck. Thelight bar is also formed of a small size such that it fits practicallyany commercially available pickup truck. While the light bar is formedof a plurality of individual lights when illuminated the light barappears as a single unitary light due to the brightness of the lights,the density of the lights and the manner in which the lights areilluminated. The increased visibility improves safety as well asprovides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a clip for use with the vehicle lightbar system presented herein, the clip is configured to attach to thebody of a vehicle using adhesive and/or a fastener, the clip includes aback wall that is generally planar in shape and includes opposing armspositioned in each corner of the back wall that extend upward therefrom,the arms include a feature positioned at the outward end of opposingarms that extend toward one another, this feature is configured to griponto the light bar when the light bar is forced between the opposingarms thereby holding the light bar within the clip, the outward ends ofthe arms also include a guiding surface angles toward the open interiorof the clip that is configured to guide the light bar between opposingarms;

FIG. 1B is an elevation view of the clip shown in FIG. 1A, the viewtaken from the top surface of the clip;

FIG. 1C is an elevation view of the clip shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, theview taken from the side surface of the clip, the view showing the armsextending upward a distance from the back wall;

FIG. 1d is an elevation view of the clip shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and1C, the view taken from the end of the clip, the view showing thedistance between opposing arms that extend upward a distance from theback wall; the view showing the feature positioned at the outward end ofopposing arms that extend toward one another, this feature is configuredto grip onto the light bar when the light bar is forced between theopposing arms thereby holding the light bar within the clip, the viewalso shows the guiding surface positioned at the outward ends of thearms that angles toward the open interior of the clip that is configuredto guide the light bar between opposing arms;

FIG. 2 is an elevation schematic view of the light bar system, the viewshowing the light bar having three rows of LEDs, the view showing thewiring system connected to the light bar, the view showing the controlbox connected to the wiring system, the view showing the fuse and plug,and electrical leads connected to the light bar that are configured toconnect to the electrical system of the vehicle to which the light baris attached;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a side cut away of the assembled housingof the light bar, the view showing the housing having a back wall,opposing side walls and a cover with a pair of right angled steps thatserve as features positioned between the cover and the sidewalls, theview showing the circuit board formed of a backing material, circuitrylayer and LEDs positioned within the hollow interior of the housing, theview showing the ribbon wire extending below the backing material of thecircuit board, the view showing the first layer of encapsulantencapsulating the outward facing surface of the circuit board includingthe three rows of LEDs, the view also showing the second layer ofencapsulant the essentially fills all the remaining space within thehollow interior of the housing thereby fully encapsulating the circuitboard and all other components positioned within the hollow interior ofthe housing;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a side cut away of the assembledhousing of the light bar of FIG. 3, the view showing the addition of theclip shown in FIGS. 1A-1D attached to the exterior of the housing, theview showing the features of the arms of the clip connected to andholding onto the features of the housing positioned between thesidewalls of the housing and the cover of the housing, the view showingthe interior surface of the sidewalls of the arms in approximately flatand flush engagement with the exterior surface of the sidewalls of thehousing, the view showing the exterior surface of the back wall of thehousing in approximately flat and flush engagement with the forwardsurface of the back wall of the clip;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clip of FIGS. 1A-1D shown in a sideby side position to a portion of the housing of the light bar;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the clip of FIGS. 1A-1D shown partiallyinstalled on a portion of the housing of the light bar, the view showingone end of the light bar installed on the clip and one end of the lightbar not installed on the clip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 6 with the portion of thehousing fully installed within the clip;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fully assembled light bar, the viewshowing three rows of LEDs visible through the transparent portion ofthe housing, a row of red LEDs, a row of white LEDs and a row of amberLEDs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and thatmechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end, sides, and the like, are referenced accordingto the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the termsare used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to beused as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or acombination of objects may change without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

The light bar described herein is described, as one example, for usewith a pickup truck. This is by way of example only, and any use ishereby contemplated and reference to use on a pickup truck is not to belimiting. Instead, the light bar presented herein is contemplated foruse in any application and may be used on any vehicle. In addition, theshape and dimensions of the light bar can be modified without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

System:

With reference to the figures, light bar system 10 is presented (alsoreferred to herein as light bar 10 and/or system 10). The system 10includes the component pieces of housing 12, circuit board 14 which isseparated into segments 16, end caps 18, encapsulant 20, control box 22having a microprocessor 24 and memory 26, among other components as isdescribed herein. The system 10 also includes one or more clips 28 thatfacilitate connection of the light bar 10 to a truck or vehicle 30 (notshown in detail).

Housing:

Housing 12 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to house the electrical components of the light bar system10. In one arrangement, as is shown, housing 12 is an elongated hollowmember that extends a length between opposing ends that are closed byend caps 18. Housing 12 includes a back wall 32 that is generally flatand planar in shape when viewed from the side. The upper and lower edgesof back wall 32 that extend the length of housing 12 connect to opposingsidewalls 34. Like back wall 32, sidewalls 34 are generally flat andplanar in shape. Opposing sidewalls 34 connect at their rearward edgesto the upper and lower edges of back wall 32 and extend in approximateparallel spaced alignment to one another. Sidewalls 34 extend inapproximate perpendicular alignment to back wall 32. This arrangement,with the generally planar and perpendicular alignment of the back wall32 and side walls 34 form a generally rectangular space between the backwall 32 and opposing side walls 34, as can be seen from the side cutaway view of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

The forward edges of sidewalls 34 connect to a cover portion 36 ofhousing 12. In the arrangement shown, cover portion 36 has a generallysmooth and curved exterior surface that connects at its upper and loweredges to the forward edges of sidewalls 34. In the arrangement shown,cover portion 36 has a convex exterior surface, and a concave interiorsurface, that helps to shed water, dirt and contaminants off of thehousing. However, any other size, shape and design is contemplated foruse as cover portion 36, including a flat and square shape, a peakedshape, a concave shape or any other shape.

In one arrangement, as is shown, one or more features 38 are positionedat the intersection or connection point between sidewalls 34 and coverportion 36. Features 38 are formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign and are configured to support the engagement between andconnection of clip 28 to housing 12 and to facilitate a strong anddurable hold there between while also facilitating selective removal ofhousing 12 from clip 28. As one example, as is shown, features 38include a first step or ledge positioned between the exterior surface ofsidewalls 34 and where cover portion 36 connects to sidewalls 34. Inthis arrangement, the first step of features 38 include a smallgenerally planar portion that extends in approximate parallel spacedrelation to back wall 32 which serves as a connection point for clip 28to hold on to and secure housing 12. That is, in the arrangement shown,the first step of features 38 is a small generally right angle notch orstep between sidewall 34 and cover portion 36 when viewed from the sideas can be seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. Also, in the arrangement shown, asecond step is also positioned just above the first step of features 38and is configured in a similar manner. That is, in the arrangementshown, the second step of features 38 is a small generally right anglenotch or step between sidewall 34 and cover portion 36 that connects atits lower or outward side to the first step of features and connects atits upper or outward side to cover portion 38 when viewed from the sideas can be seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In the arrangement wherein morethan one step is present in features 38, clip 28 may connect to only oneof the steps or both of the steps. Any number of steps is herebycontemplated for use as features 38 such as none, one, two, three, fouror more. Alternatively, any other size, shape and design for features 38is hereby contemplated for use, such as a hook, a concave recess that isrecessed inward toward back wall 32, a protrusion or any other shapedfeature 38, which in some configurations or applications may provide amore-affirmative and durable connection between clip 28 and housing 12.

The connection of back wall 32, sidewalls 34 and cover portion 36 definea hollow interior 40 there between which houses and holds circuit board14 therein. In one arrangement, housing 12 is formed of a singlemonolithic piece or extrusion and therefore the features, size and shapeof housing 12 extend the length of housing 12. Being formed of a singlepiece reduces the number of parts, simplifies the manufacturing processin many ways (and complicates it in other ways) and provides enhancedwater proofing and contaminant protection as there are no seams orconnection points for infiltration of water or contaminants into thehollow interior 30 of housing 12. As such, the hollow interior 40 ofhousing 12 serves as a complete or as close to a complete shield towater and contaminants as is possible. This arrangement providesenhanced the water and contaminant protection for the componentspositioned within the hollow interior 40 of housing 12. To providefurther protection, the components positioned within the hollow interior40 of housing 12 are encapsulated in an encapsulant 20 as is furtherdescribed herein. Having a consistent size and shape throughout thelength of housing 12 facilitates easier installation as clip 28 can bepositioned along any portion of housing 12 and the components can beinserted into hollow interior 40 of housing 12 from either end and thesecomponents may be slid along the length of hollow interior 40 of housing12 during installation.

In the arrangement shown, housing 12 includes a transparent portion 42and a non-transparent portion 44. In one arrangement, the back wall 32and the sidewalls 34 or only the rearward portions of sidewalls 34 ofhousing 12 are painted with a black or dark or non-transparent paintwhich is placed on the exterior and/or the interior of housing 12.Alternatively these portions of housing 12 (back wall 32 and all or aportion of sidewalls 34) are formed of a black or dark ornon-transparent material that prevents or reduces light transmissionthere through. In this arrangement, the cover portion 36 and the forwardportions of sidewalls 34 of housing 12 are formed of a clear,transparent, translucent or other material that allows light to betransmitted there through. In one arrangement, the color black has beentested with success as it reduces the appearance of the system 10 wheninstalled on vehicle 30. In the arrangement where the back wall 32 andsidewalls 34 and the cover portion 36 are formed of different coloredmaterials, the back wall 32 and sidewalls 34 are manufactured as asingle unitary piece of two different colored materials or two materialswith different colors and light-transmission properties, such as aco-extrusion process or the like so as to form a single unitary andsimultaneously manufactured piece without seams or other areas wherewater or contaminants can infiltrate the housing 12.

In an alternative arrangement, housing 12 is formed multiple pieces. Inone arrangement, a back portion or non-transparent portion 44, connectsto a front portion or transparent portion 42 along a connection point orseamline that is glued, welded, adhered or connected in any other way toone another. In this arrangement, the back portion or non-transparentportion 44 is formed of a black or dark or non-transparent material oris painted with a black or dark or non-transparent paint, whereas thefront portion or transparent portion 42 is formed of a transparent ortranslucent material that allows light to be transmitted there through.In one arrangement, the back portion or non-transparent portion 44 isformed of the back wall 32 and the entirety of the sidewalls 34 whichconnect to the cover portion 36 at the outward ends of sidewalls 34. Inanother arrangement, the back portion or non-transparent portion 44 isformed of the back wall 32 and a portion of the sidewalls 34 whichconnect to the cover portion 36 which includes a portion of thesidewalls 34 and as such, sidewalls 34 connect to one another along aseamline where the back portion of the sidewalls 34 are part of thenontransparent portion 44 and the forward portion of the sidewalls 34are part of the transparent portion 42. Any other configuration ishereby contemplated for use.

Circuit Board:

Circuit board 14 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to house a plurality of light emitting diodes 46 (“LEDs”)thereon and facilitate selective illumination of the LEDs 46. In onearrangement, as is shown, circuit board 14 is formed of a backingmaterial 48 and a circuitry layer 50.

Backing material 48 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design andserves to provide support to circuitry layer 50 as well as serve heatdissipation purposes. In one arrangement, backing material 48 is formedof a metallic material, such as aluminum, copper, an aluminum alloy, acopper alloy, or any other metallic material, rigid material and/ormaterial the provides for support and/or heat dissipation. In analternative arrangement backing material 48 is formed of a non-metallicmaterial.

Backing material 48 provides structural support for circuitry layer 50as well as heat dissipation. That is, when circuitry layer 50 isconnected to backing material 48 and backing material 48 is formed of amaterial with a high coefficient of diffusivity (such as aluminum, analuminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, or another alloy material)backing material 48 helps to absorb and diffuse heat generated by LEDs46. To maximize space utilization within the hollow interior 40 ofhousing 12, backing material 48 is relatively thick, and substantiallythicker than circuitry layer 50, and backing material 48 fits within thehollow interior 40 of housing 12 within relatively close and tighttolerances. In the arrangement shown, when viewed from the side, backingmaterial 48 is generally rectangular in shape with an opposing back walland forward wall that approximate the size of or are slightly the sizeof the interior surface of back wall 32 of housing 12 and are positionedin approximate parallel planar spaced relationship with one another; andsimilarly backing material 48 has a pair of opposing sidewalls thatextend a portion of the interior surface of sidewalls 34. The width ofbacking material 48 is slightly smaller than the width between theinterior surfaces of opposing sidewalls 34 of housing 12 so as tofacilitate insertion of backing material 48 into the hollow interior 40of housing 12. The height of backing material 48 is smaller than theheight of the interior surfaces of sidewalls 34 so as to provide roomfor ribbon wire 63 behind backing material 48 as well as to provide roomfor circuitry layer 50 and LEDs 46 on top of backing material 48.Maximizing the size of backing material 48 within the hollow interior 40of housing 12, while providing ample room for the other components ofthe system 10 maximizes heat diffusion and structural rigidity providedby backing material 48.

Circuitry layer 50 is formed of any suitable size shape and design andprovides the electrical connection between the electrical components ofthe system 10. In one arrangement, circuitry layer 50 includes theelectrical leads and traces that connect and interconnect the electricalcomponents of system 10 including LEDs 46, ribbon wire 63 and controlbox 22. Circuitry layer 50 may be formed of multiple layers itself so asto provide electrical isolation between the many electrical leadstherein.

While backing material 48 and circuitry layer 50 are described asseparate components in one arrangement they may be formed as a singlecomponent, or alternatively they may be formed of separate components.That is, circuitry layer 50 may be manufactured separately and thenapplied to backing material 48. Alternatively, circuitry layer 50 may beformed onto and/or into backing material 48.

Circuit board 14 is formed of any suitable size shape and design and isconfigured to house, hold and provide the electrical connections forLEDs 46. In the arrangement shown, circuit board 14 includes three rowsof densely packed LEDs 46 that extend a length or the entire lengthbetween end caps 18 within the hollow interior 40 of housing 12,including a row of amber LEDs 46A, a row of white LEDs 46W and a row ofred LEDs 46R. In the arrangement shown, the white LEDs 46 are positionedin the middle with the red and amber LEDs 46 positioned on oppositesides of the row of white LEDs 46, however any other configuration ishereby contemplated for use.

To provide independent control of various portions of light bar system10, circuit board 14 is electrically separated into a plurality ofsegments 16. Segments 16 allow for independent control of each segment.In the arrangement shown, light bar 10 is separated approximately downits middle at a seamline 54 into two separate segments 16, such as adriver's side segment 16 and a passenger side segment 16. Segments 16can be independently illuminated as well as simultaneously illuminated.Separating light bar 10 into driver side and passenger side segments 16allows the control box 22 to illuminate the entire length of light bar10 for breaking and backing up, as well as illuminating only one segment16 for the turning signal. While only two segments 16 are shown, anynumber of segments 16 are hereby contemplated for use.

To reduce the appearance of the light bar 10 when installed, theexterior facing surface 55 of circuit board 14 is a dark or black color.This dark or black color reduces the visibility of the light bar 10 wheninstalled thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the light bar10.

Endcaps & Wiring:

End caps 18 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and serveto close the hollow interior 40 of housing 12 at its outward ends. Inone arrangement, one end cap 18 allows the passage of wiring 56 therethrough whereas the opposite end cap 18 does not have wiring 56 passingthere through and as such this end cap 18 simply closes the opposite endof housing 12 from the wiring end cap 18. To continue with thelow-profile appearance theme of the light bar 10, in one arrangement,end caps 18 are formed of a black material, like the back portion ornon-transparent portion 44 of housing 12. End caps 18 are friction fitas well as sealed within the hollow interior 40 of housing 12 so as toprevent water and contaminants from entering hollow interior 40. Endcaps 18 are sealed into housing 12 by any manner, method or means suchas gluing, adhering, welding, heat shrinking, taping, wrapping and/orany combination thereof or the like.

Wiring 56 exiting one end of housing 12 electrically connects to controlbox 22 and includes a fuse 58 before electrically connecting to a plug60. Plug 60 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and in onearrangement is formed of a conventional four-way trailer plug thatelectrically connects to the electrical system of many standard vehicles30. However any other form of plug is hereby contemplated for use as isdirectly wiring the wiring 56 of light bar 10 into the wiring system ofvehicle 30.

In one arrangement, wiring 56 also includes one or more signal leads 62.Signal lead 62 is an electrical lead that is configured to beelectrically connected to electrical system of vehicle 30, and morespecifically a reverse light lead, a left turn signal lead, a right turnsignal lead or another electrical lead of vehicle 30. In combination,plug 60 and signal lead(s) 62 are configured to receive power andoperational signals from vehicle 30 and provide operational signals tolight bar 10. That is, as a user operates vehicle 30, the lights in theback of the vehicle 30, where light bar 10 is positioned, are controlledin various ways. That is, when the user presses the brake pedal, thebrake lights of the light bar 10 illuminate until the brake pedal isreleased; when the user engages a turn signal, the appropriate turnsignal of the light bar 10 periodically flashes until the turn signal isdisengaged; when the user places the vehicle 30 in reverse, the reverselights of the light bar 10 illuminate until the vehicle 30 is removedfrom reverse; when the user turns the hazard lights on, the brake lightsof the light bar 10 flash until the hazard lights are turned off, and soon. Signal lead 62, as well as the other wires of wiring 56, areconfigured to receive and transmit the operational signals to the lightbar 10 so that light bar 10 can illuminate appropriately and incoordination with the lights of vehicle 30.

In the arrangement wherein the light bar 10 is formed of two segments16, a ribbon wire 63 extends outward from an end of each segment 16.That is, a ribbon wire 63 connects to the first segment 16 and extendsoutward through the end cap 18 that allows passage of the ribbon wire 63there through. A second ribbon wire 63 extends under the circuit board14 of the first and second segment 16 and electrically connects to theend of second segment 16 opposite first segment 16. This ribbon wire 63also extends out the same end cap 18 such that both wires extend out ofthe same end of housing 12. In the arrangement shown, ribbon wire 63includes six wires, or three pairs of wires, one pair for each color ofLED 46 (white LED 46W, red LED 46R, and amber LED 46A). As depth of thesystem 10 is important to maintain the low profile nature of the system10, to minimize the depth of the system, only two segments 16 are usedand therefore only one layer of ribbon wire 63 extends below thesegments 16. Having the ribbon wire 63 extend out of the outward ends ofthe segments 16 allows the circuit boards 14 and backing material 48 andcircuitry layer 50 connect to one another in flush alignment with oneanother at seamline 54 in flush and flat engagement with little to nogap there between. This allows for practically seamless illuminationbetween opposing segments 16 and makes it practically impossible todistinguish between the opposing segments 16 as the spacing of the LEDs46 is maintained across the seamline 54. That is, the seamline 16 doesnot disturb the continuous spacing of LEDs 46 from one segment 16 to theother segment 16. In fact, the seamline 54 is itself hard to see whenlight bar 10 is inspected.

Control Box:

System 10 includes a control box 22. Control box 22 is formed of anysuitable size, shape and design and is configured to receive operationalsignals from the electrical system of vehicle 30, interpret thesesignals and output operational signals that control operation of lightbar 10. Control box 22 includes a microprocessor 64 and memory 66 amongother components. Microprocessor 64 is any device which receivesinformational signals, interprets these signals, and outputs informationor commands based on instructions stored in memory 66. Memory 66 is anyform of an informational storage device or system, such as RAM, flashmemory, a hard drive, or the like. Information or instructions in theform of software, code, firmware or the like are stored on memory 66 andis accessible to microprocessor 64. Microprocessor 64 and memory 66 maybe formed of a single unitary device, separate but electricallyconnected devices, or a plurality of separate but electrically connecteddevices.

Since light bar 10 is configured to be installed on practically anyvehicle 30, microprocessor 64 and memory 66 are programmed to interpretsignals from multiple types of vehicles and output the appropriateoperational signals. That is, in one arrangement, microprocessor 64 andmemory 66 are programmed to detect or determine what type of vehiclethey are connected to and then determine the appropriate operationalsignal to output based on what operational signals are received asinput. In this way, the use of control box 22 and microprocessor 64 andmemory 66 allows for seamless utilization of a single light bar 10 formultiple makes and models of vehicle 30 without the need to program orreprogram the microprocessor 64 and memory 66 for each vehicle 30. Thisincreases the speed and ease of installation and use.

Clip:

Clip 28 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and isconfigured to connect housing 12 to vehicle 30. In one arrangement, asis shown, clip 28 has a back wall 100 that extends between opposing endwalls 102 and opposing sidewalls 104. Back wall 100 has a generally flatforward face 106 and a generally flat rearward face 108 that form planesthat extend in approximate parallel spaced relation to one another.Opposing sidewalls 104 extend in approximate parallel spaced relation toone another, and opposing end walls 102 extend in approximate parallelspaced relation to one another. As such, sidewalls 104 and end walls 102extend in approximate perpendicular alignment to one another therebyforming a generally rectangular member.

A pair of opposing arms 110 are connected to each end of clip 28. Arms110 are connected to sidewalls 104 and extend upward a distance fromforward face 106. The outward edge of arm 110 is in planar alignmentwith sidewall 104. The outward end of arm 110 is in alignment with endwall 102 and extends inward a distance therefrom. Arms 110 include alocking feature 112 positioned at their outward most end. Lockingfeatures 112 are formed of any suitable size, shape and design and aredesigned to engage and lock housing 12 into clip 28. In one arrangement,locking features 112 are formed of a step or ledge or hook that matinglyengage the feature 38 or step in the exterior surface of housing 12positioned at the intersection of cover portion 36 and sidewalls 34. Inthe arrangement shown, when clip 28 is viewed from the and end 102,locking features 112 on opposing arms 110 extend inward and over theforward face of back wall 100 a distance. Accordingly, to facilitatelocking engagement, arms 110 extend upward from forward face 106approximately the same distance as sidewall 34 of housing 12.

To further facilitate a firm, durable and strong connection between clip28 and housing 12, arms 110 are slightly biased inward toward oneanother. This causes the distance between the outward ends of arms 110to be slightly narrower than the width of housing 12. As such, whenhousing 12 is placed between opposing arms 110 and locked into place aninward force is applied on housing 12 by arms 110. This helps to holdhousing 12 within clip 28. This also helps to keep engagement betweenlocking feature 112 of arm 110 and the feature 38 of housing 12.

Due to the slight inward bias of the arms 110 of clip 28, the outwardmost ends of arms 110 include a curved or angled guiding surface 114.Guiding surface 114 helps to guide the housing 12 into the space betweenopposing arms 110. In the arrangement shown, guiding surface 114 curvesor angles inward from the upper most end of arms 110 down to the step oflocking feature 112. This causes the upper ends of guiding surface 114to be wider than the width of back wall 32 of housing 12, while thelower end of guiding surface 114 is narrower than the width of back wall32 of housing 12. This causes the arms 110 to flex or bend outward asthe light bar 10 is forced within the clip 28.

The rearward face 108 of back wall 100 is flat and thereby providesmaximum surface area for connection to the body of vehicle 30. Thisallows for the use of an adhesive, such as a double sided tape or foamor gel to be positioned between the rearward face 108 of clip 28 and thebody of vehicle 30. Using adhesive eliminates the need to put screws orbolts into the body of vehicle 30, simplifies the installation process,speeds the installation process, eliminates the need to use tools toinstall the clips 28 and provides a durable installation.

Despite that the installation process that uses adhesives instead ofdrilling and screwing, back wall 100 includes an opening 116 thereinthat facilitates reception of a screw or other fastening device thereinif the installer chooses to use a fastener. In one arrangement, toensure the head of the screw does not protrude, the opening 116 iscountersunk. That is, the walls of the opening angle inward as theyextend from forward face 106 to rearward face 108.

Installation and Use:

The system 10 is installed by first placing adhesive on the rearwardface 108 of a plurality of clips 28. In one arrangement, the clips 28are then adhered to the body of vehicle 30. Once the clips 28 areinstalled on the vehicle 30, the housing 12 is aligned with the clips 28and the housing 12 is forced into the clips 28. Alternatively, the clips28 are installed onto the housing 12 and then the housing 12 and clips28 are simultaneously installed onto the body of the vehicle 30.

When the housing 12 is forced into the clips 28, the back wall 32 ofhousing 12 engages the upper or outward end of the guiding surface 114of arms 110 of clips 28. As the guiding surfaces 114 angle inward andbecause the arms 110 are angled slightly inward, force is appliedcausing the arms 110 to elastically bend outward as the housing 12 isforced downward between opposing arms 110. The arms 110 continue to bendoutward until the ledge or step of features 112 of clip 28 passes orengages the step or features 38 of housing 12. At this point the lockingfeatures 112 of arms 110 engage or lock onto the step or features 38 ofhousing 12 thereby locking the housing 12 within the clip 28 with astrong and durable connection. In this position, the flat back wall 32of housing 12 is in flat and flush engagement with the forward face 106of the flat back wall 100 of clip 28. In this position, the exteriorsurface of sidewalls 34 of housing 12 are in flat and flush engagementwith the interior faces of arms 110 of clip 28. In this position, thelower surface of features 112 in the end of arms 110 are in flat andflush locking engagement with the upper surface of the features 38 ofthe housing 12.

Once the housing 12 is installed, the plug 60 and signal lead 62 areconnected to the electrical system of the vehicle 30. Once electricallyconnected, the control box 22 and microprocessor 64 and memory 66receive power and operational signals from the electrical system of thevehicle 30. The microprocessor 64 interprets these signals according tothe instructions stored in memory 66 and outputs operational signalsthat control operation of the light bar 10.

Dimensions:

In one arrangement, to ensure that the system 10 fits practically everycommercially available pickup truck, in one arrangement, the light barsystem 10 comes in two lengths, 60 inches or 48 inches. The use of thesetwo lengths facilitates use on practically all commercially availablepickup trucks. Any other length is hereby contemplated for use. Thelight bar has a depth approximately ⅜ of an inch without the clip 28 andapproximately ½ of an inch with the clip 28 installed. The light bar 10has a height of approximately ⅝ of an inch without the clip 28 and ¾ ofan inch with the clip 28 installed. In one arrangement, the clips 28 areapproximately 3 and ¼ inches long. Any other depth and/or width ishereby contemplated for use.

Method of Manufacture:

In one arrangement, the system 10 is manufactured in the followingmanner.

The housing 12 is extruded of a clear plastic material and the back wall32 and the rear portions of the sidewalls 34 (nontransparent portion 44)are painted with a dark or black color. Alternatively, the housing 12 isextruded and the nontransparent portion 44 is extruded of anontransparent material whereas the transparent portion 42 is extrudedof a transparent material.

Next, the circuit board 14 is formed in segments 16. This isaccomplished by installing the LEDs 46 onto the circuitry layer 50 andthen installing the LEDs 46 and circuitry layer 50 on the backingmaterial 48. Once the LEDs 46 are installed onto the circuit board 14 afirst layer 120 of encapsulant 20 is laid over the LEDs 46 and theexterior facing surface 55 of circuit board 14.

Encapsulant 20 is formed of any flowable material that seals the LEDs 46and circuit board 14. In one arrangement, encapsulant 20 is a flowablematerial when initially applied that later cures to a non-flowablematerial. In one arrangement, encapsulant 20 is a flowable plasticmaterial that is transparent or translucent. In one arrangement, whilethe encapsulant 20 is initially flowable, it hardens to a rigid,semi-rigid, flexible or rubber-like material.

Next, the separate segments 16 are connected together by aligning theadjacent segments 16 in end-to-end engagement thereby forming seamline54 there between and then an adhesive is laid over the rearward face ofthe circuit board 14, such as a glue, paste, tape, double sided tape orthe like. This using an adhesive such as a double sided tape, gel or thelike holds the two segments 16 together while also provides for adhesionof ribbon wire 63 to the back of circuit board 14 as well.

Since both segments 16 have ribbon wire 63 extending outward from an endof the segment 16, and it is desirable to have wires only coming out oneend of the housing 12, the ribbon wire 63 of one segment 16 is foldedaround and onto the back of circuit board 14 such that both ribbon wires63 extend out of the same end of system 10. In this position, theadhesive holds the folded ribbon wire 63 in place on the back of circuitboard 14.

Now that both ribbon wires 63 extend outward from the same end ofcircuit board 14, the combined and assembled circuit board 14 formed ofboth segments 16 is slid into the hollow interior 40 of housing 12through an open end of the housing 12 until the assembled circuit board14 is fully installed within the hollow interior 40 of housing 12.

Once fully installed, an end cap 18 is positioned over each end. Onceinstalled, the end caps 18 are sealed in place.

Next, to fully encapsulate the housing 12, the housing 12 is verticallyaligned, so as to help the bubbles flow out of the hollow interior 40 ofthe housing 12 and a second layer 122 of encapsulant 20 is injectedthrough the lower end cap 18 and into the remaining air-space within thehollow interior 40 of housing 12. This encapsulant 20 fills most if notall of the voids and spaces within the hollow interior 40 therebyproviding an additional contaminant and water proofing barrier. In onearrangement, this second layer 122 of encapsulant 20 is over-flowed,that is more encapsulant 20 is forced into the hollow interior 40 of thehousing 12 such that the excess escapes out the opposite end of thehousing 12 and in doing so, excess air bubbles are forced out of thehollow interior 40. The encapsulant 20 is left to cure over time. Oncecured the light bar 10 is ready for use.

When encapsulant 20 is properly injected within the hollow interior 40of housing 12, the second layer 122 of encapsulant 20 fills all of theair space left within the hollow interior 40 of housing 12. In onearrangement, the second layer 122 surrounds all portions of the circuitboard 14 and engages the entire exterior surface of the circuit board 14as well as engages the entire interior surface of the hollow interior 40of housing 40. By filling all of the air space within the hollowinterior 40 of housing 12 after the circuit board 14 has been insertedwithin the hollow interior 40 this prevents any water or contaminationfrom getting into the hollow interior 40 by filling this space already.In addition, even if water or contaminants did get into the hollowinterior 40 of housing 40 this water and/or contaminants would not beable to get to the circuit board 14 itself as the circuit board 14 isfully encapsulated within the second layer 122 of encapsulant 20. Inaddition, the LEDs 46 are also encapsulated by the first layer 120 orencapsulant 20 thereby providing a second layer of protection. Thisthese first and second layers 120, 122 of encapsulant 20 are protectedby being housed within the sealed housing 12 thereby protecting theencapsulant 20 from exposure to water and contaminants not to mentionphysical contact and abuse. By forming the housing 12 out of a singlecontinuous extrusion, this prevents water or contaminants from gettinginto housing 12 except for the ends which are covered by end caps 18that are sealed in place and then sealed again with second layer 122 ofencapsulant 20. In way, a light bar system 10 is provided that isextremely durable and practically impenetrable.

Chip-On-Board LEDs:

In one arrangement, LEDs 46 are what are known as Chip-On-Board LEDs.COB LED technology describes the mounting of a bare LED chip in directcontact with the substrate to produce LED arrays. It is a method of LEDpackaging which has a number of advantages over traditional surfacemount technologies such as the use of “T-pack” and Surface mount LEDs.

Due to the small size of the LED chip, Chip-on-Board technology allowsfor a much higher packing density than surface mount technology. Thisresults in higher intensity & greater uniformity of light for the user.

COB light source can save about 30% cost in the application, mainly liein LED package cost, light engine production costs and the secondarylight distribution costs, which is of great significance for manyapplications. In performance, through the rational design and micro-lensmolding, a COB light module can avoid the defects of point and glarelight and other deficiencies of prior art LEDs. COB modules make theproduction of lighting simpler and more-convenient, and reduce costseffectively. In production, existing technology and equipment cansupport high yield and large-scale COB module manufacturing, assemblyand installation. As such, the use of COB LEDs provides many advantagesincluding brighter illumination and an appearance of a single continuouslight instead of a plurality of individual lights.

Control Box Algorithm and Operation:

One problem associated with adding a light bar 10 having red, white andamber LEDs 46 is that a break light signal and a turn signal from thevehicle's electrical system is indistinguishable, but it is desirablefor the light bar 10 to illuminate the amber LEDs 46A on the appropriatesegment 16 of the light bar 10 for a turn signal while it is desirableto illuminate the red LEDs 46R of both segments 16 for a break light. Inaddition, to provide the maximum visibility and safety, it is desirableto illuminate both the red LEDs 46R of a segment 16 and the amber LEDs46A when the breaks are applied while the turn signal is on. Yet, again,in many applications, the break and turning signals areindistinguishable from one another as they merely appear as power to aline through plug 60.

To accomplish this functionality, and separate the turn signals frombreak signals, microprocessor 64 and memory 66 of control box 22 use analgorithm that is capable of determining whether a signal is a breaksignal or a turn signal and from this determination the control box 22illuminates the appropriate segment(s) 16 of light bar 10 and theappropriate color(s) of LEDs 46.

More specifically, in one arrangement, control box 22 receives power andfour electrical operational signals from the electrical system of thevehicle 30. These four operational signals are: (1) a tail light signal(which is a low power signal on both the right tail light lead and theleft tail light lead), (2) a reverse light signal, (3) a leftblinker/brake signal, and (4) a right blinker/brake signal.

The reverse signal is simply a pass through signal. That is, when thereverse signal is received, the white LEDs 46W of both segments 16 areilluminated. Similarly, the tail light signal (meaning that the taillights of the vehicle are to be illuminated at a low level, such as whenthe headlights are on) is also a pass through signal. That is, when thetail light signal is received, the red LEDs 46R of both segments 16 areilluminated, at a low illumination level. As such, there is essentiallyno need to perform processing on the reverse light signal and/or thetail light signal.

However, processing is required to determine whether a signal is a turnsignal or a break signal. The algorithm processes three functions passedalong in two wires; left turn signal which is represented as a blinkingsignal on the left signal lead; right turn signal which is representedas a blinking signal on a right signal lead; and brake signal which isrepresented as a solid or continuous signal simultaneously present onboth the left and right signal leads. The right and left turn signalsare mutually exclusive, but the brake signal can be present at any timefor any duration.

The software algorithm uses memory of the current state and the recentpast state of the right signal lead and the left signal lead todetermine what function is most likely active at a point in time. Thatis whether it is a break signal or a turn signal. The algorithm observesthe rate at which a turn signal is flashing to estimate when the nextsignal should arrive, and the algorithm acts accordingly if that signaleither does or does not arrive. The software contains a state machine totake care of most situations, and also employs timers to keep certainstates from running too long.

In addition, the algorithm adapts to the speed of the turn signal foreach vehicle, so that if a nondeterministic state is incorrectlydetermined, the function only lasts the minimum time necessary. Thisreduces the time that an erroneous output is displayed (an output thatmay not be in sync with the vehicle). For example, a brake released atjust the right time may activate an errant turn signal, e.g. flash ofthe amber LEDs 46A of a segment 16. This functionality adds to theuniversal nature of the light bar.

As such, the control box 22 extrapolates these four electricaloperational signals from the electrical system of vehicle 30 into thefollowing functions using an algorithm:

-   -   Break Light: The control box 22 detects a simultaneous solid        high-intensity illumination on both the right signal lead and        the left signal lead. The control box 22 outputs a high        intensity illumination on both segments 16 of red LEDs 46R.    -   Breaks Applied and Right Turn Signal Active: The control box 22        detects a constant signal on left turn signal lead and        intermittent signal on the right turn signal lead. The control        box 22 outputs a high intensity illumination on both segments 16        of red LEDs 46R while simultaneously outputting a flashing        illumination of the amber LEDs 46A on the right segment 16 of        light bar 10.    -   Breaks Applied and Left Turn Signal Active: The control box 22        detects a constant signal on right turn signal lead and        intermittent signal on the left turn signal lead. The control        box 22 outputs a high intensity illumination on both segments 16        of red LEDs 46R while simultaneously outputting a flashing        illumination of the amber LEDs 46A on the left segment 16 of        light bar 10.    -   No Break Applied and Right Turn Signal Active: The control box        22 does not detect a signal on the left turn signal lead while        detecting an intermittent signal on the right turn signal lead.        The control box 22 outputs a flashing illumination of the amber        LEDs 46A on the right segment 16 of light bar 10.    -   No Break Applied and Left Turn Signal Active: The control box 22        does not detect a signal on the right turn signal lead while        detecting an intermittent signal on the left turn signal lead.        The control box 22 outputs a flashing illumination of the amber        LEDs 46A on the left segment 16 of light bar 10.    -   Hazards: Detecting hazards is equivalent to detecting a break        light signal. That is, the control box 22 detects a simultaneous        solid high-intensity illumination on both the right signal lead        and the left signal lead. The control box 22 outputs a high        intensity illumination on both segments 16 of red LEDs 46R. In        one arrangement, a timer function is used to detect the periodic        illumination on both the right signal lead and the left signal        lead and microprocessor 64 determines that this continued        cycling of this signal is indeed a hazard signal and the        microprocessor 64 instead illuminates that amber LEDs 46A until        the periodic cycling ceases.

From the above discussion and the accompanying drawings and claims itwill be appreciated that the light bar system and method of use andmethod of manufacture presented offers many advantages over the priorart. That is, the handlebar mounted tool system and method of usepresented; improves upon the state of the art; has a long useful life;can be used on practically any vehicle; fits in the space between thebumper and the tailgate of most pickup trucks; is water proof; isweather proof; can be exposed to the elements; is contaminant proof; iseasily installed; can be connected to practically any vehicle'selectrical system; provides multi-purpose functionality; has anaesthetically pleasing appearance; is easy to use; improves safety;includes white, yellow/amber and red lights; includes breaking, backupand turning functionality; efficiently dissipates heat; is separatedinto electrical segments that are independently controllable; is bright;is formed of a plurality of lights but appears to be a single continuouslight strip when illuminated; can be installed without drilling into thebody of the vehicle; is durable; is rugged; has an intuitive design; isformed of a minimum number of parts; is relatively inexpensive tomanufacture; provides value, utility and novelty to the user; has a lowprofile; can be installed with adhesives and clips, among countlessother improvements and advantages.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby. It should be understood that the examples and embodimentsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes only and that variousmodifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to personsskilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purviewof this application.

What is claimed:
 1. A vehicle light bar comprising: a circuit boardpositioned within a housing and having a plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) configured to transmit light from an outward facingsurface of the circuit board, said circuit board comprisingindependently controllable segments electrically separated at aseamline; wherein space between the outward facing surface of thecircuit board and an inward facing surface of the housing is filled witha flexible encapsulant thereby sealing the LEDs within the housing; ametallic backing material for dissipating heat and supporting thecircuit board positioned on a surface opposite the outward facingsurface of the circuit board; ribbon wires (a) electrically connected tothe LEDs, (b) positioned behind the metallic backing material; and (c)extending beyond the circuit board such that the circuit board and themetallic backing material remain in a flush and flat engagement at theseamline; clips comprising: adhesives for attaching opposite ends of thehousing to a vehicle; a backwall in spaced parallel relation with themetallic backing material; flexible arms opposite one another, extendingfrom the backwall, inwardly biased, and configured to substantiallyencompass the housing; and features of the housing configured to receiveat least a portion of the flexible arms.
 2. The vehicle light bar ofclaim 1, wherein a portion of the housing covering the LEDs is formed ofa transparent or translucent plastic material.
 3. The vehicle light barof claim 1, wherein the housing extends a length of the vehicle lightbar and is formed of a hollow interior, a back wall attached to a pairof opposing sidewalls and a cover, wherein the cover is formed of aconvex curved shape.
 4. The vehicle light bar of claim 3, wherein: theoutward facing surface of the circuit board is part of the back wall;the back wall is black in color, thereby minimizing the noticeability ofthe vehicle light bar when not in operation; the opposing sidewalls areof a different color or have different light transmission propertiesthan the back wall; and the back wall and sidewalls form a singleunitary piece.
 5. The vehicle light bar of claim 1, wherein the LEDs arechip-on-board LEDs.
 6. The vehicle light bar of claim 1, wherein theflexible encapsulant is formed of a flowable plastic injected into spacebetween the outward facing surface of the circuit board and the inwardfacing surface of the cover.
 7. A vehicle light bar for installation ona vehicle having an electrical system comprising: a circuit boardpositioned within a housing and having a plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) sealed within a flexible encapsulant and configured totransmit light from an outward facing surface of the circuit board, saidcircuit board comprising independently controllable segmentselectrically separated at a seamline; a controller configured to receivesignals from the electrical system of the vehicle, interpret the signalsreceived from the electrical system of the vehicle, and in responsecontrol illumination of the LEDs; a metallic backing material fordissipating heat and supporting the circuit board positioned on asurface opposite the outward facing surface of the circuit board; ribbonwires (a) electrically connected to the LEDs, (b) positioned behind themetallic backing material; and (c) extending outward through an end caplocated at one end of the housing such that the circuit board and themetallic backing material remain in a flush and flat engagement at theseamline; and clips comprising: adhesives for attaching opposite ends ofthe housing to a vehicle; a backwall in spaced parallel relation withthe metallic backing material; flexible arms opposite one another,extending from the backwall, inwardly biased, and configured tosubstantially encompass the housing; and features of the housingconfigured to receive at least a portion of the flexible arms.
 8. Thevehicle light bar of claim 7, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to select between colors of LEDs in response to receiving thesignals from the electrical system of the vehicle.
 9. The vehicle lightbar of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to selectthe duration of illumination of LEDs in response to receiving thesignals from the electrical system of the vehicle.
 10. The vehicle lightbar of claim 7, wherein: the ribbon wires comprise a red-designatedwire, an amber-designated wire, and a white-designated wire; thecontroller and the red-designated wire are configured to illuminate redLEDs while the vehicle is braking; the controller and anamber-designated wire are configured to illuminate some of the amberLEDs while the vehicle is turning; and the controller and awhite-designated wire are configured to illuminate the white LEDs whilethe vehicle is driven in reverse.
 11. A method of operating a vehiclelight bar comprising: providing a circuit board positioned within ahousing and having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)configured to transmit light from an outward facing surface of thecircuit board, said circuit board comprising independently controllablesegments electrically separated at a seamline; allowing an encapsulantsealing the LEDs within the housing to flex while subject to externalstatic or dynamic forces; dissipating heat and supporting the circuitboard with a metallic backing material positioned on a surface oppositethe outward facing surface of the circuit board; electricallyconnecting, with ribbon wires positioned behind the metallic backingmaterial, the LEDs to an electrical system of a vehicle; maintaining aflush and flat engagement at the seamline between the circuit board andthe metallic backing material; attaching, at opposite ends the housing,clips to the housing such that a backwall of the clips is in spacedparallel relation with the metallic backing material, said attachmentestablished by (a) flexible arms opposite one another, extending fromthe backwall, inwardly biased, and configured to substantially encompassthe housing and (b) features of the housing configured to receive atleast a portion of the flexible arms; securing the vehicle light bar tothe vehicle to the clips with adhesives; receiving with a controllersignals from the electrical system of the vehicle; interpreting with thecontroller the signals received from the electrical system of thevehicle; and in response, controlling with the controller illuminationof the LEDs.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising selectingwith the controller colors of LEDs in response to receiving the signalsfrom the electrical system of the vehicle.
 13. The method of claim 11,further comprising selecting with the controller the duration ofillumination of LEDs in response to receiving the signals from theelectrical system of the vehicle.